Homes tour features city’s finest historic structures, gardens

Published: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 03:59 PM.

Some of New Bern’s finest old homes in the historic district will open their doors to the public for the 2013 Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour.

On April 12 and 13, visitors can tour the living quarters and receive information about the original architecture, renovations and furnishings. Also this year, a number of the gardens will feature artists.

Many downtown churches are on the self-guided tour, along with the Tryon Palace Gardens.

The Palace is the site for its annual Heritage Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days of the tour. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to buy discounted admission passes for the weekend to Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center.

The tour sites include Pollock, Broad, Middle, East Front, Johnson, Craven, New and Change streets.

Visitors can enjoy lunch at the Blades’ Veranda Cafe. Bagged lunches are a $7 donation and include a sandwich and beverage. Coffee, tea and baked goods will be available throughout the day at Peterson’s Porch. A hospitality station is on the grounds of the Attmore-Oliver House, 511 Broad St.

Some of New Bern’s finest old homes in the historic district will open their doors to the public for the 2013 Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour.

On April 12 and 13, visitors can tour the living quarters and receive information about the original architecture, renovations and furnishings. Also this year, a number of the gardens will feature artists.

Many downtown churches are on the self-guided tour, along with the Tryon Palace Gardens.

The Palace is the site for its annual Heritage Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days of the tour. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to buy discounted admission passes for the weekend to Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center.

The tour sites include Pollock, Broad, Middle, East Front, Johnson, Craven, New and Change streets.

Visitors can enjoy lunch at the Blades’ Veranda Cafe. Bagged lunches are a $7 donation and include a sandwich and beverage. Coffee, tea and baked goods will be available throughout the day at Peterson’s Porch. A hospitality station is on the grounds of the Attmore-Oliver House, 511 Broad St.

The Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour is a collaborative event by the New Bern Historical Society and the New Bern Preservation Foundation.

* Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of the tour. $13 for active duty military and dependents with ID. Special rate of $13 for groups of 12 or more. Tickets are good for both tour days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.